TUC of Ghana condemns government's taxing of incomes after GHc 10,000

- It is unclear whether government will give in to the demands of organised labour

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has raised problems with the 35% tax on the incomes charged on the incomes of GHc10,000 and above. The TUCis rather urging the government to seal loopholes in revenue collection.

According to labour union, instead of putting pressure on workers with taxes, it is rather prudent if government widens the bracket and make sure the country does not lose money through other means.

The statement from the TUC on Monday read, according to myjoyonline.com:

“If…government is able to plug the leakages in our tax system and it gathers the courage to reduce the numerous tax exemptions for companies including mining companies that are making supernormal profits, there will not be the need to impose higher taxes on Ghanaian workers, many of whom are the sole breadwinners in their extended family”

A TUC member's signage asking the government to fix the economy. Photo credit: Google Images

The TUC was responding to the new tax proposals the minister of finance, Ken Ofori-Atta made before Parliament last Thursday. The minister inter alia, proposed the tax on the above-mentioned earners and also on luxury cars.

But while commending the government for its macroeconomic achievements, the TUC had concerns with the recent fluctuations in the value of the Ghana Cedi against the major trading currencies.